Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is a common condition that is further aggravated by obesity. GERD has an increased prevalence in morbidly obese individuals (37% to 72%), as measured by abnormal reflux by 24 hour pH monitoring.  The broad assumption is that weight loss will have a positive affect on alleviating symptoms of GERD. Suggested weight loss has become a standard part of the clinical management of these patients.¹⁰

After LAGB surgery was performed on patients diagnosed with moderate to severe GERD, marked improvements were reported post operatively:

• The total resolution of all reflux symptoms soon after surgery occurred in 36 morbidly obese patients (N=48), with improvement in 7, no change in 3, and an aggravation of symptoms in 2¹⁰
• At 4 years following LAGB surgery, the rate of cure/improvement of GERD
  was 79%/11%¹⁹
• 87% improvement or resolution of GERD immediately following surgery¹⁸
• Major improvements of GERD along with remarkable decline in their medication usage were observed¹⁷

Relevant Links:
Physician Resources—GERD
Standards of Care—GERD